Display laces

ABSTRACT

A design lace is provided for insertion into an object. The design lace includes a plurality of image sections for forming a unified image. Each image section forms a part of the unified image. All of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 61/738,156, filed on Dec. 17, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to laces.

2. Description of the Related Art

Laces have been used on various items to fasten sides of the items together. What is needed is an improved lace design that allows for a unified image to be displayed on the lace once the lace is used to fasten the sides together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a design lace is provided for insertion into an object. The design lace includes a plurality of image sections that form a unified image when the design lace is inserted. Each image section forms a part of the unified image. All of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.

In some embodiments, a system for displaying a unitary image is provided. The system includes an object. A design lace is inserted into the object. The design lace includes a plurality of image sections, each forming a part of a unified image. All of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.

In some embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes forming a template lace having a first unified image. The method also includes forming a design lace based upon the template lace, the template lace having a second unified image that is identical to the first unified image. The method also includes that the design lace has a plurality of image sections for forming the second unified image, each image section forming a part of the second unified image. All of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a shoe according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a shoe according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a lace within in a shoe according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a blank lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a blank lace and object according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the blank lace of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7A is a template lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7C is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7D is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7E is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a lace template in the installed state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A is a lace template according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9B is a structure for forming laces.

FIG. 10A is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10B is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10C is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10D is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10E is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10F is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10G is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11A is a lace according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11B is a lace according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view along line 11C of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D is a shoe with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11E is a shoe with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a shoe with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13A is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13B is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13C is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13D is a method of lacing a shoe with a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14A is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14B is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14C is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14D is a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15A is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15B is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15C is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15D is a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16A is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16B is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16C is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16D is a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17A is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17B is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17C is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17D is an object with an inserted lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17E is a lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a shoe and lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a shoe and lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a shoe and lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a hat and lace according to some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a lace and stickers according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a lace and stickers according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a lace and stickers according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, left shoe 10 is shown. A right shoe (not shown) may be formed similar to left shoe 10 to create a pair of shoes to be worn by a user. Left shoe 10 may include sole 12 connected to upper 14. Upper 14 may include tongue 16, foot receiving opening 18, and pairs of anchors formed from anchor 20 a-20 g′. Securement of shoe 10 on a user's foot (not shown) may be carried out by lacing the shoe 10 with, for example, first exemplary lace 22 (shown in FIG. 3) using a predetermined lace pattern. Lace 22 is continuous and unbroken. Any lace as used herein may also be referred to as a design lace.

Anchors 20 a-20 g′ secure lace 22 and may be eyelets, D-rings connected to metal rivets, open hooks, locking hooks, webbing (i.e., strong fabric loops), or the like. Eyelets are shown as the anchors 20 a-20 g′, but any suitable structure may be used to fasten the lace 22 in the shoe 10. Each anchor 20 a-20 g′ may be a hole through which lace 22 may be threaded. Each anchor 20 a-20 g′ may be reinforced with metal, plastic or rubber grommets. Lace 22 may be a cord that may be strung using anchors 20 a-20 g′ in order to draw shoe 10 closed.

Referring again to FIG. 3, when lace 22 is installed, lace 22 may form a unified image 24, including for example a graphic, over multiple lace sections (discussed below). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the unified image 24 is a Japanese flag, which includes a first region 24 a of a first color. In this embodiment, the first region 24 a is shaped as a circle and printed with red ink. The first region 24 a is surrounded by a second region 24 b that has a contrasting or different color than the first color. For instance, the second color may be white. In some embodiments, the second color of the second region 24 b may be a natural white color of the lace 22 and not ink. In other words, the natural color of the lace 22 may be used rather than changing the color of the lace 22 through dyes or inks. In some embodiments however, second color 24 b may be formed by ink of a second color that is different than the first ink. Any coloring agent (e.g., dyes, ink, etc.) may be used in place of the ink described above to form the respective colors 24 a, 24 b.

In some embodiments, unified image 24 may be anything capable of being represented in a drawing or photograph such as flags, team logos, letters, shapes, numbers, figures, faces, patterns, and the like. In some embodiments, a width W of the lace 22 may be determined by a maximum length or dimension of the anchors 20 a-20 g′. By making the width W of the lace 22 equal to or larger than a maximum length or dimension of the anchors 20 a-20 g′, the lace 22 and the unitary image 24 will not shift on the object. In some embodiments, if eyelets are used for the anchors 20 a-20 g′, the maximum length may correspond to a diameter of the eyelets.

The method for forming lace 22 with the unified image 24 will now be discussed. The steps may include using blank lace 26 of FIG. 4 to form template 56 of FIG. 7A, and using template 56 to create additional laces from blank laces.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the shoe 10 may be selected as the recipient of the blank lace 26. Blank lace 26 may be woven or formed of fabric strands, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. In the present example, blank lace 26 may be white, but other colors may be suitable as well. Blank lace 26 may further include free ends secured with plastic anglets 28, also known as aiglets or aglets. In some embodiments, blank lace 26 has a width W which is constant throughout most of the length L of the blank lace 26, except at the anglets 28 and a small area of the blank lace 26 adjacent to the anglets 28.

Referring again to FIG. 4, blank lace 26 may be formed by braiding or weaving fibers into a raw lace material, which may be many shoelace lengths long. Raw lace material may be “tipped” and “cut” using conventional means, wherein a continuous woven or braided lace is cut by a “tipping” or “anglet” machine. This machine cuts the continuous lace by securing plastic or metal tips that wrap around the fabrics of the continuous lace and creates hard tips while at the same time severing the continuous lace in order to create shorter laces. The “tipping” and “cutting” of the raw lace material may be determined by the image transfer process being used, as discussed below. Blank lace 26 may be formed of fibers such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and polypropylene, but are not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the shape and size of the shoe 10 may determine the dimensions of the blank lace 26. Thus, different sized and shaped shoes may alter the dimensions of blank laces to be used with those shoes. Blank length L between anglets 28 and blank width W may be selected so that blank lace 26 may be capable of being laced through all anchors 20 a-20 g′ (See FIG. 2) and may cover the majority of tongue 16. As used herein, width W may be measured along a direction that is perpendicular to a direction that the blank lace 26 is laced within the shoe 10, and along a first or second surface 30, 32 of the lace 26 that is for displaying the unified image 24 as shown in FIG. 6.

In the present embodiment, blank lace 26 may have a length L of approximately 125 cm and a width W of approximately 2 cm. In the present embodiment, the length L may be approximately 80 cm to up to approximately 150 cm and the width W may be approximately 1.5 cm to approximately 2.3 cm. In some embodiments, the width W may be determined by the distance between pairs of anchors (e.g., 20 a and 20 a′, 20 b and 20 b′, etc.) formed from anchors 20 a-20 g′ (See FIG. 2) as well as the lacing pattern to be used. The lace pattern used with the width W of 1.5 to 2 cm may be single-sided. In some embodiments, the width W may be determined by a maximum length or dimension of the anchors 20 a-20 g′. By making the width W of the lace 26 equal to or larger than a maximum length or dimension of the anchors 20 a-20 g′, the lace 26, and the unitary image that will eventually be placed thereupon, will not shift on the object. In some embodiments, if eyelets are used for the anchors 20 a-20 g′, the maximum length may correspond to a diameter of the eyelets.

In some embodiments, single image laces may be created on thinner laces when a double-sided lacing pattern (e.g., two images printed on opposite surfaces of the lace 22 so that only one image may be viewed by a user when the lace 22 is installed in the shoe 10) is used. When a double-sided lacing pattern is used, the minimum width W may be approximately 1 cm. The inventors have found that this width may be critical for achieving an appealing design with a double-sided lace pattern.

In some embodiments, single image laces may be created on thinner laces, shorter laces or laces which are round or tubular when the laces work together with an image on the tounge of a shoe to form a single image. In these embodiments, a length L and a width W of the respective shoelace may be determined based on its appearance over an image printed on a tounge of a pre-determined shoe.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, blank lace 26 may also include first surface 30 and opposite second surface 32. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4. Lace 26 may have a generally flat, rather than a round cross-sectional shape, for ease of image transfer. However images may be formed on laces with various cross-sectional shapes.

In some embodiments, first surface 30 of lace 26 may form a unitary image; while opposite surface 32 may lack an image thereby creating a single-sided lace. In some embodiments, first surface 30 and second surface 32 may each form a different unitary image than the other first or second surface 30, 32. In some embodiments, one of the first or second surfaces 30, 32 may form a unitary image and the other first or second surface 30, 32 may have a conventional pattern thereon, such as a single color or a repeating pattern. In some embodiments, first surface 30 may form a first unitary image, while the second surface 32 may form a second unitary image related to the first unitary image. For instance, the first surface 30 may form an image of a sports team's logo, while the second surface 32 may form an image of a specific player on the sports team.

Blank lace 26 may be laced up in shoe 10 using a predetermined lace pattern, as shown in FIG. 5. In the present embodiment, the lace pattern may be a “bar” lacing pattern where lace 26 extends horizontally between pairs of anchors formed from the anchors 20 a-20 g′ (see FIG. 2). Since there are seven pairs of anchors formed from the anchors 20 a-20 g′, blank lace 26 may include seven corresponding image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. As a result of the lace pattern, edge 48 of the lower lace section 34 is adjacent edge 50 of the higher lace section 36 directly adjacent to lower lace section 34.

Moreover, surface 30 of the image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 of blank lace 26 allow lace 26 to have a flat surface when installed in shoe 10. Lace width W 39 of FIG. 5 is also selected so that gaps g between image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 are minimized to maintain the visual connection of image sections on adjacent printable sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46.

Referring to FIGS. 7B-7E, a “bar” lacing pattern may be formed by pulling blank lace 26 (of FIG. 4) through bottom anchors 20 a, 20 a′. Then as illustrated in FIG. 7C, a longest side 26′ of blank lace 26 may be threaded up and through a right side second anchor 20 b then over and through a left side anchor 20 b′, as shown by arrow A1. As shown in FIG. 7D, a longest side of blank lace 22 is threaded up and through left side third anchor 20 c′ and then over and through right side third anchor 20 c, as shown by arrow A2. This pattern is repeated until a last pair of anchors 20 g, g′ are threaded. In some embodiments, the longest side is 26′ is used to lace each of the anchors 20 a-20 g′.

Referring to FIG. 5, once blank lace 26 is in the installed state in shoe 10, keylines 51 and 52 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7) may be marked where lace 26 meets each anchor 20 a-20 g′ to define image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. Keylines 51 and 52 serve as boundary lines for image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. Keylines 51, 52 also serve as alignment aids for users while lacing up shoes.

Keylines 51 may include a distinctive indicator such as mountains (See FIG. 7A) to indicate image section 34, which is between mountain keylines 51. While only one keyline 51 is shown as having a mountain shape in the exploded view illustrated by the circle in FIG. 7A, the other keyline 51 may also include a similar such shape. This distinctive indicator may aid in installing the completed lace 22 (the blank lace 26 will be modified to turn into completed lace 22) to a user. For example the distinctive indicator may state “make sure the section of the lace between the mountains is face up.” In some embodiments, if the shoelace 22 is double sided, the descriptive indicator may indicate the images disposed on the surfaces 30, 32. For instance, a first descriptive indicator may point to the first surface 30 and describe the first image, while a second descriptive indicator may point to the second surface 32 and describe the second image. In some embodiments, keylines 51, 52 may be a same shape rather than being different shapes. In some embodiments, the shapes of the keylines 51 may be different from the shapes of keylines 52.

When blank lace 26 is removed from shoe 10, it has keylines 51, 52 thereon as shown in FIG. 7A. Keylines 51, 52 may define spaced apart image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, when lace 26 is removed from shoe 10 (see FIG. 3). Keylines 51, 52 may also define negative print areas 54 between image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. In the present embodiment, all image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may be on first surface 30.

In the image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 that are laced in the “bar” lacing pattern used in FIGS. 3, 5, 7A-7E, adjacent image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may be oriented 180 degrees from one another. In the final or laced state (shown in FIG. 5), first, third, fifth and seventh sections 34, 38, 42, 46 may be in a first orientation. In the final or laced state (shown in FIG. 5), second, fourth and sixth sections 36, 40, 44 may be in a second orientation that is inverted 180 degrees from the first orientation. In other words, when being laced, the first, third, fifth and seventh sections 34, 38, 42, 46 may be moved from the left side of the shoe 10 to the right side of the shoe 10; and the second, fourth and sixth sections 36, 40, 44 may extend from the right side of the shoe 10 to the left side of the shoe 10.

Next, an image may be transferred to blank lace 26 to create lace template 56. In some embodiments, the blank lace 26 is installed in the shoe 10 when the image is transferred to the blank lace 26 to form the template 56. FIG. 8 shows lace template 56 in the installed state with the final version of the unified image 24 printed on image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. FIG. 9A shows the unified image 24 divided into image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 on lace template 56. In FIG. 9A, the lace template 56 is not in the shoe 10. Lace template 56 may be a single-sided template with all of the image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 only on the first surface 30. Lace template 56 will be used as a pattern for transferring similar images to blank laces 26 so as to form additional laces 22 (See FIGS. 3 and 5). Lace template 56 with the selected predetermined lace pattern may be used with left and right shoes. In some embodiments, different lace templates may be created for each of the left and right shoes depending on the lace pattern used.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9A, image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 extend along the width of the outer facing lace sections, or the outside part of the lace template 56 that a person may observe when the shoe 10 is laced with the lace template 56. Image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 define printable area A. Although unified image 24 may only be a portion of printable area A, in some embodiments, a greater percentage of printable area A may be used. In some embodiments, the unified image 24 occupies 100% of printable area A.

Referring to FIG. 9A, lace template 56 may include no ink printed on first and second image sections 34 and 36. In some embodiments, the image sections 34 and 36 may have no ink so as to be the natural color (e.g., white) of the lace template 56.

Lace template 56 may include third printed visible section 38. As illustrated in FIG. 9 a, the third printed visible section 38 has an upper edge 60. The third printed visible section 38 has a lower image portion 58 that is a lower portion of the circle forming the unified image 24. The lower image portion 58 is disposed at the upper edge 60 and is surrounded by white.

Lace template 56 may include a fourth image section 40 that has a lower edge 64 and an upper edge 61. The lace template 56 has a central image portion 62 in the shape of a central portion of the circle forming the unified image 24. The central image portion 62 is printed from the upper edge 61 to the lower edge 64 and is surrounded by white.

Lace template 56 may include a fifth image section 42 that has a lower edge 66. The fifth image section 42 has an upper image portion 68 in the shape of an upper portion of the circle of the predetermined image 24. The unified image 24 is printed adjacent to lower edge 66 and is surrounded by white.

Lace template 56 may include no ink printed on sixth and seventh image sections 44 and 46 so that image sections 44 and 46 may be the natural color of lace template 56, such as white.

Lace template 56 further includes negative print areas 54 between adjacent image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and adjacent keylines 51, 52. In some embodiments, the negative print areas 54 may have no inks or dyes. In some embodiments, the negative print areas 54 may be dyed or colored a specific color so the user may quickly identify where the negative print areas 54 are located. In some embodiments, each negative print area 54 may have a different color than some or all of the other negative area 54 so that a user may identify different image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46.

As discussed above, lace template 56 may be used as a pattern for forming additional laces such as lace 22 (See FIG. 3). However, the above process can be modified to be used to form any of the laces of the embodiments described in this application. Lace template 56 may be used with various image transfer processes, such as screen printing, weaving, direct to garment printing, or heat transfer printing. Additional image transfer processes, such as for example hand painting, paint stenciling or dye sublimation, may be used. The present example is not limited to image transfer processes described above and others may be used. Lace template 56 may be for a left shoe or a right shoe template can be similarly formed.

In order to screen print laces 22 of FIG. 3, template 56 of FIG. 9A may be used to create a screen pattern, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The screen pattern is then used with a conventional automatic screen press machine to print copies of the image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 onto raw lace material. After printing and drying, the raw lace material may be cut and tipped with anglets 28 in a manually operated, hand-tipping machine, as know by one of ordinary skill in the art. As a result, raw lace material may be divided into individual shoe laces. The use of the hand-tipping machine allows the length of the laces to be accurately registered or aligned with the screen-printed pattern so that the laces are cut accurately and in a way that ensures that all parts of the screen printed design are shown.

In order to weave laces 22 of FIG. 3, lace template 56 of FIG. 9A may be used to program a conventional, computerized weaving machine, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The weaving machine is then used to form image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 onto raw lace material. After weaving, the raw lace material may be cut and tipped with anglets 28 in a manually operated, hand-tipping machine, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. As a result, raw lace material may be divided into individual shoe laces with images identical to the unified image 24. The use of the hand-tipping machine allows the length of the laces to be accurately registered or aligned with the screen-printed pattern so that the laces are cut accurately and in a way that ensures that all parts of the screen printed design are shown.

In order to form a direct-to-garment print lace 22 of FIG. 3, raw lace material is cut into separate laces and tipped with anglets 28, as shown in FIG. 9A. In some embodiments, these laces may be 100% cotton white laces.

Referring to FIG. 9B, several laces 22 may be placed into a tray 70 that may include one or more grooves 72 for receiving the laces 22 therein. In the present embodiment, tray 70 may include a plurality of grooves 72. Tray 70 may be attached or built together with a printing platent 74 that secures and supports tray 70. A platent may be a component of an inkjet printer that holds and moves the material to be printed below the inkjet print heads. Platent 74 may have two movable spaced apart jib arms or clamps 76 that lock laces 22 and tray 70 to platent 74 and holds laces 22 within grooves 72 firmly and flat. Printing platent 74 used to form laces 22 of FIG. 3 may be 100 cm long and 30 cm wide. Printing platent 74 with tray 70 thereon is then used with a direct to garment printing machine to transfer images on laces 22. In some embodiments, a direct to garment printer, such as a Viper™ may be used.

The method may utilize multiple trays 70 and platents 74 so that once a first set of laces 22 are printed using a first of the trays 70 and platents 74, that first trays 70 and platents 74 holding the first set of printed laces 22 may be unlocked and removed from the printer. The first set of printed laces 22 are wet after the printing thereof, and so the first set of laces 22 may be dried while still attached to trays 70 and platents 74. The first set of laces 22 may be dried in a dryer for about 5 minutes to let the ink settle into the lace material.

A second of the trays 70 and platents 74 may then be used to print a second set of laces 22 while the first set of laces 22 dry undisturbed. Once the second set of laces 22 are printed, they may be then dried in a dryer for about 5 minutes to let the ink settle into the lace material.

In order to use heat transfer to form laces 22, raw lace material may be cut into separate laces and tipped with anglets 28 (as shown in FIG. 9). Then, template 56 of FIG. 9 may be used to create a transfer image on the separated laces with image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. The transfer image may then be permanently transferred and secured to the raw lace material using a manual heat press. The heat transfer press may be set at a temperature that allows transfer but prevents melting of the laces.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9A, when lace template 56, or lace 22 produced therefrom, is used, it may be laced up using the predetermined pattern used to display unified image 24. A predetermined lace pattern, similarly as discussed with respect to FIGS. 7B-7E, is also shown in FIGS. 10A-10G. Lacing of lace template 56 using this pattern will be discussed, but lace 22 may be similarly laced. This is a single-sided lace pattern where only one surface 30 of lace may be positioned upwardly and lace pattern may be a non-overlapping pattern so that each lace section 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 is next to an adjacent lace section 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7B, 9A and 10A, in use, lace template 56 may be pulled through bottom two anchors 20 a, 20 a′ so mountain keylines 51 are facing up and line up adjacent anchors 20 a, 20 a′. Thus, first image section 34 may be visible and in the first orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7C and 10B, lace template 56 may be threaded through second anchor pair 20 b, 20 b′ so that second image section 36 may be visible and in the second orientation (as compared to its first orientation shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A).

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7D and 10C, lace template 56 may be threaded through third anchor pair 20 c, 20 c′ so that third image section 38 including lower image portion 58 may be visible and in the first orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7E, 10D, lace template 56 may be threaded through fourth anchor pair 20 d, 20 d′ so that fourth image section 40 may be visible and lower image portion 58 may be aligned with central image portion 62. Fourth image section 40 may be in the second orientation. Keylines 51, 52, shown in FIG. 9A may assist such alignment.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7E, 10E, lace template 56 may be threaded through fifth anchor pair 20 e, 20 e′ so that fifth image section 42 may be visible. Upper image portion 66 may be aligned with central image portion 62. Fifth image section 42 may be in the first orientation. Keylines 52 shown in FIG. 9A assist such alignment.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7E, 10F, lace template 56 may be threaded through sixth anchor pair 20 f, 20 f′ so that sixth image section 44 may be visible in the second orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7E, 10G, lace template 56 may be threaded through seventh anchor pair 20 g, 20 g′ so that seventh image section 46 may be visible and in the first orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7E, 9A, 10G, negative print areas 54 may be hidden underneath all of the anchors 20 a-20 g′ when lace template 56 is placed on shoe 10 in the predetermined pattern.

Keylines 52 shown in FIG. 9A also allow the user to align image sections 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 between anchor pairs 20 a-20 g′ (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, after each anchor pair 20 a-20 g′ is laced with the lace 22, a user may pull the laces 22 tight until keylines 52 match up and are then covered by an associated anchor 20 a-20 g′ so as to not be visible from outside of the shoe 10. In some embodiments, a user may also be instructed not to tuck, or tie the lace 22 as the width of the lace 22 will prevent lace movement. For instance, the lace 22 may have a width that is greater than a diameter or greatest length of the anchor 20 a-20 g′.

FIGS. 11A-11B show second exemplary lace 122, which may be similar to lace 22. However, lace 122 may be printed double-sided and may have a reversible pattern so that lace 122 will create a unified image when either side 130, 132 of lace 122 is showing in the installed position.

In FIGS. 11C-11D, lace 122 has image sections 134-144 on first surface 130. Image sections 134-144 when installed in shoe 10, may show a first unified image 124. In this embodiment, the first unified image 124 is a Jamaican flag with different contrasting colors. An “X” shape 124 a may be formed of the color yellow. Triangles 124 b may be formed of the color black. Triangles 124 c may be formed of the color green.

Referring to FIGS. 11B-11C and 11E, second surface 132 may include image sections 134′-144′ that present second unified image 124′. In this embodiment, the second unified image 124′ is of the British flag with different contrasting colors. “X” and “T” shapes 124 a′ may be formed of the colors red and white. Triangles 124 b′ may be formed of the color red.

Based on the “bar” predetermined lace pattern previously discussed, when the lace 122 is in shoe 10, image sections 134, 138, 142 or 134′, 138′, 142′ may be in the first orientation depending on which surface 130 or 132 is visible. When installed, image sections 136, 140, 144 or 136′, 140′, 144′ may be in the second orientation depending on which surface 130 or 132 is visible. The first and second images 124 and 124′ (See FIGS. 11D-11E) may be formed using the same predetermined lace pattern.

In some embodiments, the first predetermined lace pattern forming first unified image 124 may be different from the second predetermined lace pattern forming second unified image 124′. In the present embodiment, first unified image 124 may be different from second unified image 124′. In some embodiments, first and second unified images 124, 124′ may be the same. In this way, if one of the first and second unified images 124, 124′ fades, the other of the first and second unified images 124, 124′ may be used. In some embodiments, the first and second unified images 124, 124′ correspond to different images which have related subject matter (e.g., a sports team and a player for that sports team).

In order to print reversible lace 122, screen printing or direct to garment printing may be used. The other methods (i.e., heat transfer and woven) may create a lace with exact registration of the image sections 134-144 with image sections 134′-144′ with one another on both surfaces 130, 132 of lace, however these methods are more difficult and costly to undertake.

FIG. 12 shows a third exemplary lace 222 that may include a second exemplary image 224 of the Japanese flag. Lace 222 may be formed using the general template method described above, however a different predetermined lace pattern may be used to form template and create image 224.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13A-13D, shoe 210 used with lace 222 includes seven pairs of anchors 220 a-220 g. In some embodiments, another pair of top most anchors may be included as well. Lace pattern may be formed so that first image section 234 may be generally horizontal. Second image section 236 may be diagonally oriented or angularly offset from section 234 and visible. Section 235 a may be below image sections 234, 236, 238 and not be visible. Third image section 238 may be diagonally oriented and visible. Section 235 b may be below section 236, 238, 240 and not be visible.

Fourth through eighth image sections 240-248 may be similarly oriented and have additional lace sections 235 c-235 f there below and at least partially covered. Lace sections 235 c-e may not be visible and lace section 235 f may be partially visible. Lace sections 235 a-f may be formed by portion of lace 224 a (See FIG. 13A) and image sections 234-248 may be formed by portion of lace 224 b (See FIG. 13A). In some embodiments, the uppermost end part of the image section 248 or a part of the lace 222 adjacent to image section 248, may be tucked into the shoe 210, or held by another unillustrated anchor.

FIGS. 14A-14C show a fourth exemplary lace 322 that may include exemplary image 324 of the Japanese flag. In FIG. 14D, lace 322 is shown uninstalled with image sections 334-342. Image sections 334-342 may have different orientations when installed in shoe 310.

Lace 322 may be formed using the general template method described above. However a different predetermined “cross bar” lace pattern may be used to form template and create image 324. Shoe 310 used with lace 322 includes six pairs of anchors 320 a-320 f′. “Cross bar” lace pattern may be formed so that first image section 334 may be generally horizontal.

Right side of lace 322 adjacent section 334 (as illustrated in FIG. 14D) is laced according to arrow B1. Right side of lace 322 adjacent section 334 passes through anchor 320 a and comes up through anchor 320 b, across and through anchor 320 b′ to form second section 336. Then lace 322 comes up through anchor 320 d′, across and through anchor 320 d to form fourth section 340. Then the lace 322 passes up through anchor 320 f.

Left side of lace 322 that is adjacent section 334 (as illustrated in FIG. 14D) is laced according to arrow B2. Left side of lace 322 adjacent section 334 passes through eyelet 320 a′ and comes up through anchor 320 c′, across and through anchor 320 c to form third section 338. Then lace 322 comes up through anchor 320 e, across and through anchor 320 e′ to form fifth section 342. Then lace 322 passes up through anchor 320 f′. This pattern may also be used with reversible laces. In some embodiments, the display sections 334-342 are separated by different distances from each other.

FIGS. 15A-15C shows a fifth exemplary lace 422 that may include exemplary image 424 of the Japanese flag. Lace 422 may be formed using the general template method described above. Lace 422 may also have a predetermined “cross bar” lace pattern similar to lace 322 to form template and create a unified image 424.

Lace 422 is laced similar to lace 322, except lace 422 may include additional image section 444 extending through anchors 420 f, 420 f′. A left side of lace 442 passes through anchor 420 d′, comes up through anchor 420 f, passes across and through anchor 420 f to form sixth section 444. This pattern may also be used with reversible laces. In FIG. 15D, lace 422 is shown uninstalled with image sections 434-444. The image sections 434-444 may have the first or second orientations when installed.

FIGS. 16A-16C show sixth exemplary lace 522 that includes exemplary image 524 of the Japanese flag. In FIG. 16D, lace 522 is shown uninstalled with image sections 534-542. Image sections 534-542 may have first or second orientations when installed.

Lace 522 may be formed using the general template method described above, however a different predetermined “lightning bolt zigzag” lace pattern may be used to form template and image 524. Shoe 510 used with lace 522 includes five pairs of anchors 520 a-520 f′. The “lightning bolt zigzag” lace pattern may be formed so that first image section 534 may be generally horizontal.

Left side of lace 522 that is adjacent section 534 in FIG. 16D may be laced according to arrow C2. Left side of lace 522 that is adjacent section 534 passes through anchor 520 a′, crosses diagonally and comes up through anchor 520 c. Then, lace 522 crosses and goes through anchor 520 c′ to form third section 538. Then, lace 522 crosses diagonally and comes up through anchor 520 e, and crosses and enters anchor 520 e′ to form fifth section 542. Then lace 522 passes up through anchor 520 f′.

Right side of lace 522 that is adjacent to section 534 in FIG. 16D may be laced according to arrow C1. Right side of lace 522 adjacent section 534 passes through anchor 520 a, comes up through anchor 520 b, crosses and enters anchor 520 b′ to form second section 536. Then lace 522 crosses diagonally across shoe 510 to come up through anchor 520 d, and then crosses to enter anchor 520′d to form fourth section 540. Then lace 522 crosses diagonally and comes up through anchor 520 f. This pattern can also be used with reversible laces.

FIGS. 17A-17E shows seventh exemplary lace 622 that includes exemplary image 624 of the Japanese flag. Lace 622 may be formed using the general template method described above. However, a different predetermined “zigzag cross over” lace pattern may be used to form template and lace 622. “Zigzag cross over” pattern has image sections 634-644, which are overlapping when installed (as shown in FIGS. 17C and 17D) and which may be located next to one another without negative print area 54 (see FIG. 7A) there between. The arrows 680, 681 illustrate a lacing pattern for this embodiment. This pattern can also be used with reversible laces.

FIG. 18 shows second exemplary shoe 710 for use with eighth exemplary lace 722. Shoe 710 may be a ballet or dance shoe and may include a plurality of pairs of anchors 720. Lace 722 may be similar to lace 22 of FIG. 3, except lace 722 may have a different length and width to accommodate the configuration of shoe 710. Lace 722 may include six image sections 734-744 printed so that when installed in shoe 710, unified image 724 is formed. Unified image 724 may be a geometric design such as a zigzagging line.

FIG. 19 shows third exemplary shoe 810 for use with ninth exemplary lace 822. Shoe 810 may be a boot, such as a snowboard boot, ski boot, hiking boot, fashion boot with a leather or fabric upper, and the like. Shoe 810 includes sole 812 and upper 814 attached to sole 812. Upper 814 includes tongue 816 and shaft portion 817, which covers the ankle and lower part of the user's leg. Shaft portion 817 defines opening 818. Upper 814 may include first and second sets of anchors 820 a, 820 b, respectively. First set of anchors 820 a may be pairs of eyelets. Second set of anchors 820 b may be pairs of open hooks.

Lace 822 may be similar to lace 22 of FIG. 3, except lace 822 may have a different length and width to accommodate the configuration of shoe 810. Lace 822 may include eight image sections 834-848 printed so that when installed in shoe 810, unified image 824 is formed. In some embodiments, the unified image 824 may be a geometric design such as a plurality of circles. One portion of first circle E1 may be printed on image section 834 and the other matching portion of circle E1 may be printed on image section 836. Similarly, one portion of second circle E2 may be printed on image section 840 and the other matching portion of circle E2 may be printed on image section 842. One portion of third circle E3 may be printed on image section 842 and the other matching portion of circle E3 may be printed on image section 844.

FIG. 20 shows fourth exemplary shoe 910 for use with tenth exemplary lace 922. Shoe 910 is similar to shoe 810 of FIG. 19 except it may be a women's ice skate. Shoe 910 may include blade 911 connected to sole 912. Lace 922 may be similar to lace 822 of FIG. 23, except lace 922 may have a different length and width to accommodate the configuration of shoe 910. Lace 922 may include unified image 924.

Lace 922 may also be used with a men's or children's ice skate or lace 922 may also be used with men's, women's and children's roller skates, where wheels are connected to sole 912, as know by those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 21 shows fifth exemplary piece of apparel 1010 for use with eleventh exemplary lace 1022. Apparel 1010 may be a hat, such as a baseball hat, cowboy hat, sun hat, fishing cap, fedora, or the like. Apparel 1010 may include crown portion 1012 and brim 1014. Crown portion 1012 includes pairs of anchors 1020 a-1020 d similar to shoe 10 of FIG. 3. Lace 1022 may be similar to lace 22 of FIG. 3, except lace 1022 may have a different length and width to accommodate the configuration of hat 1010 and lace 1022 may include unified image 1024. Unified image 1024 may be a sun. One portion of unified image 1024 may be on one visible lace section and another portion of image 1024 on another visible lace section. When installed, image portions match up to form unitary image 1024. Uninstalled portions of image 1024 may be spaced apart on the surface of the lace like lace 22 previously discussed and as shown on template 56 (of FIG. 9).

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment similar to FIG. 16D. In this embodiment, stickers 545 are also included. The stickers 545 are placed on the inward facing side of the image sections 534-542 with a sticky portion of the stickers 545, so as to hold the unified image 524 more firmly in place. In other words, the sticky side of the stickers 545 stick to the lace, and hold together two or more of the image section 534-542. These stickers, which may be round, are placed across the inward facing surfaces of two of the sections 534-542 of lace 522 when one section 538-542 is laid above the other section 534-542 as the shoe is laced. Any suitable shape (e.g., triangle, rectangle, square, etc.) may be used for stickers 545 as long as the stickers 545 are able to hold two different sections 534-542 together. The sticker 545 attached to the top section 542 when the lace is assembled into a shoe, may hold upper parts of the lace 522 (see FIG. 16A).

In some embodiments, the sticker 545 is attached to the top section 542 and may have a sticky side facing in an opposite direction than the other stickers 545 so as to attach itself to the tongue of a shoe rather than another section 538-542. By doing so, the unified image may stay in a single place relative to the shoe 510. Moreover, in such embodiments the sticker 545 of the top section 542 may function as an image section as well and have a color and/or shape which forms a part of the unified image.

In some embodiments, the stickers 545 may omitted at either the top or bottom section 534, 542 when the lace is assembled in the shoe depending on a size and orientation of the stickers 545. For instance, it may be unnecessary to include stickers 545 at either the top or bottom section 534, 542 as long as they are held by a sticker 545 which may initially be disposed on a different section 536, 538, 540 when lace 522 is not assembled in a shoe. Moreover, the stickers 545 may be different sizes relative to each other depending on a configuration and how many sections 534-542 they are needed to hold together. For instance, one very large sticker 545 may be used which holds together and sticks to all sections 534-542, or two large stickers 545 may be used as long as all of the sections 534-542 are held together.

While stickers 545 have been described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 16D, the stickers 522 may be used with any embodiment described within this application. Furthermore, the stickers 545 may be disposed at any interval as long as they are able to hold two or more of the sections 534-542 together.

FIG. 23 illustrate some embodiments that include stickers 2314, 2316, 2318, 2320, 2322, 2324, 2334. In FIG. 23, inward facing sides 2302, 2304, 2306, 2308, 2310, 2312 of laces (e.g., the inward facing sides may face towards an object that the laces are laced within when in use) include stickers 2314, 2316, 2318, 2320, 2322, 2324. The stickers 2314, 2316, 2318, 2320, 2322, 2324 may be moved so as to hold together adjacent parts of the laces similarly to as shown in FIG. 24. Exemplary dimensions of the laces are also shown in FIG. 23, but may be modified depending on the lace and the object, as well as other factors.

FIG. 24 illustrates a method of operating a sticker 2334 to hold together adjacent parts 2330, 2332 of a lace 2300. As shown, the sticker 2334 touches both adjacent parts 2330, 2332 and bridges an area 2336 between the adjacent parts 2330, 2332 so as to hold together the adjacent parts 2330, 2332.

In some embodiments, the sticker 2334 may be disposed on the outward facing surfaces (i.e., the surfaces that displays the unitary image to be viewed by a user) of the adjacent parts 2330, 2332, or on a same surface as the image sections. In this case, the sticker 2334 may have an ornamental design, and may also complete the unitary image. In some embodiments, the sticker 2334 is on an inward facing surface (e.g., the surface not viewed by a user) that is opposite to the image sections. In this case, the sticker 2334 may not form part of the unitary image.

The stickers 2314, 2316, 2318, 2320, 2322, 2324, 2334 may be a part of any embodiment described above. Moreover, the stickers 2314, 2316, 2318, 2320, 2322, 2324, 2334 may be disposed at any interval to allow the stickers 2314, 2316, 2318, 2320, 2322, 2324, 2334 to hold together image sections of the laces.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other products. Therefore, the claims are not to be limited to the specific examples depicted herein. For example, the features of one example disclosed above can be used with the features of another example. For example, any of the laces described herein may be modified to be used on various shoes and apparel shown and described above. In addition, the unitary images shown on any of the laces described herein may be different from those shown. Laces of one exemplary shoe or piece of apparel may be used with another piece of apparel. Templates and laces may be formed using alternative lace patterns such as for example, crisscross. Thus, the details of these components as set forth in the above-described examples, should not limit the scope of the claims.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application nor is intended to be limiting on the claims in any way. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A design lace for insertion into an object, the design lace comprising: a plurality of image sections for forming a unified image, each image section forming a part of the unified image, wherein all of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.
 2. The design lace of claim 1, wherein a width of the design lace is greater than a maximum length of an anchor of the object so that the design lace is reduced from shifting or moving when laced through the anchor so as to allow the unified image to stay in a single position relative to the object.
 3. The design lace of claim 1, further comprising negative print areas disposed between the image sections that connect the image sections together.
 4. The design lace of claim 3, wherein a width of the design lace is constant throughout all of the image sections and negative print areas.
 5. The design lace of claim 3, further comprising keylines between the negative print areas and the image sections, the keylines indicating an alignment of the design lace relative to the object.
 6. The design lace of claim 3, wherein each negative print area is a different color than every other negative print area and from every image section.
 7. The design lace of claim 1, wherein the object forms parts of the unified image so as to form the unified image with the image sections.
 8. The design lace of claim 1, wherein the image sections form the entire unified image.
 9. The design lace of claim 1, further comprising stickers for holding the image sections in place relative to each other, the stickers being placed at intervals on an inward facing side of the design lace, the inward facing side for facing the object, each sticker having a sticky side facing the inward facing side of the design lace and being configured to hold two of the image sections together with the sticky side.
 10. A system for displaying a unitary image, the system comprising: an object; and a design lace inserted into the object, the design lace including a plurality of image sections each forming a part of a unified image, wherein all of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the object has anchors through which the design lace runs through, the anchors holding the design lace, and a width of the design lace is greater than a maximum length of the anchors so that the design lace is reduced from shifting or moving so as to allow the unified image to stay in a single position relative to the object.
 12. The system of claim 10, further wherein the design lace has negative print areas disposed between the image sections to connect the image sections together.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein a width of the design lace is constant throughout all of the image sections and the negative print areas.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the object forms another part of the unified image so as to form the unified image with the image sections.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the object is a shoe having a tongue, and the another part of the unified image is disposed on the tongue so as to be between the image sections to form the unified image with the image sections.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein a width, a length and a lacing pattern of the design lace are based on a configuration of the object, wherein the design lace forms the unified image when the design lace is laced into the object using the lacing pattern.
 17. The system of claim 10, further comprising stickers for holding the image sections in place relative to each other, the stickers being placed at intervals on an inward facing side of the design lace, the inward facing side facing the object, each sticker having a sticky side facing the inward facing side of the design lace, and holding two of the image sections together with the sticky side.
 18. The system of claim 10, wherein the image sections form the entire unified image.
 19. A method comprising: forming a template lace having a first unified image; forming a design lace based upon the template lace, the template lace having a second unified image that is identical to the first unified image, wherein the design lace has a plurality of image sections for forming the second unified image, each image section forming a part of the second unified image, wherein all of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising lacing an object with the design lace, wherein a width of the design lace is greater than a maximum length of an anchor of the object so that the design lace is reduced from shifting or moving so as to allow the second unified image to stay in a single position relative to the object. 